20 Best Acting Programs In Columbia, SC (2022 Updated)

First coming to Benedict College I honestly didn't know what to expect on this journey. I was hesitant, nervous and felt like "this isn't what college's look like on TV." It also didn't help that I started second semester so as I was coming in, people already had their set of friends and I was trying to figure out where I fit in at. I then realized that I couldn't just stay to myself so I got involved with activities on campus such as BC Underground and community life becoming an RHA. As I opened up to my fellow peers, formed lifelong bonds with people, and learned how much love and support I had from my professors, I can say my experience at Benedict has been a good one. Now with graduation approaching, I'm taking all my knowledge and applying it towards my future and of course grad school. I'm proud to call this my Alma mater and be a Tiger!LaBria Grant

I had the worst experience as a parent to a child who use to go there. I was trying to get his transcript so he would be able to attend another college. The young lady at the transcript office was really polite but once I went to the financial aid office it turn to like I was dumb and didn't know the reason why I came there. I mean it don't take a scientist to realize you can't get a transcript if you owe a debt so that's why I was sent there. The guy at the front desk was rude and not professional at all, he said to much that wasn't call for and I really do advise parents to check this college out before letting your child enter there. Just remember where ever you work always be polite and represent your job or company with the up most dignity.patricia davis

As an Alumnus of Benedict College I would say Benedict is a dynamic institution and an even better choice! The reality is that its not the perfect school for everyone, but if you're looking to take advantage of a great opportunity and have some defining experiences BC is a great choice! It is not a school you should come to just because mom wants you out of the house. If that's your largest aspiration then you'll FAIL and you wont enjoy the experience very much. I've met some of the most accomplished and talented professors at this institution. Not to mention, the family felt environment nurtures you but prepares you for the world! I'm super proud of my HBCU. I cant wait to see what else is in store for BC!Benjamin

As my family comes close to completing our 13th year of being a part of the Hammond family, it makes me pause and think what a wonderful gift I've given to my children. My oldest will be a rising Senior, then his two younger sisters will be rising a Sophomore and 3rd grader, respectively. Both my husband and I grew up in public schools and choosing Hammond was a big decision and investment for our family. I regularly ask my kids if they are glad to be at Hammond and the answer is always a resounding, "Yes!". In fact my husband has turned down numerous opportunities to move within his company because our children are thriving in so many ways and that is what is most important to us. Hammond provides my children with an opportunity to be challenged, to grow in their passions, to experience new opportunities, to excel in becoming a well rounded individual that has a healthy respect for academic, athletic and cultural excellence. We have seen much growth and change at Hammond in our 13 years with technology, new facilities on campus, curriculum as it is an environment that knows to excel you can never stop learning and being open to change. I am thrilled that my youngest has the opportunity to spend 3 years with our unbelievable LS Head, Helen Kiser. She joined the Hammond family this past summer and has already won the respect as well as the hearts of students, faculty and families. I know that with her passion for children and positive nature our LS will continue to amaze and engage our students to do great things and more importantly become kind and generous citizens. On the other end of my household, I'm knee deep in college preparation. Thank goodness, I am fully supported by the marvelous Upper School College Counseling Department and US teachers. I have said to many parents that ask about our US, the guidance and dedicated partnership your family receives from the College Counseling Department in 9th-12th grade is well worth the investment of tuition. The conversations that I share with my older children never cease to amaze me as they share discussions that they had in class or with a teacher. My only regret is that my husband and I aren't Hammond Alumni but we have found our place there as well both serving as volunteers in many capacities. If you are looking for a positive, challenging and well rounded environment for your children, I hope you will visit Hammond. It was the best decision our family has ever made and we have three kids that agree.Katherine Lockwood

This is our third year at Hammond in the Lower School. My husband and I chose Hammond because of the college preparatory academics and strong community atmosphere. When we made the switch from another small private school my oldest daughter was starting second grade and my youngest in PreK. I was a little concerned about my oldest daughter's transition into a new school and making new friends. Her second grade teacher Elizabeth Webb made the transition absolutely flawless. I would receive weekly phone calls the first couple of months just letting me know how she was doing in class, and on the playground. It meant the world to me that she was so in tune with what I was concerned with and that she took notice of so many aspects of my daughters day. We truly appreciate the love we receive from the Hammond community.Mandie Ingram

As an alumni and a parent of the school I can speak completely honestly about Hammond. Looking back on my personal education, I can honestly say I didn't realize how fortunate I was that my parents sacrificed so much to send me to Hammond for so many years. As a parent, I will continue to make sacrifices to send my children to this amazing school. It is more than a school, it is a community, a family, and a breath of fresh air in the world we live in. If you want to find "the bad" or "the good" online when searching schools….you can find it anywhere, so after scrolling through all of the reviews, I challenge you to come take a look, give Hammond a call, step onto campus and experience for yourself what makes this school so SPECIAL!Liz Brewer

putting my formality aside, it's honestly just a bunch of spoiled cliques of wannabe hipster try hards, and most of the students are extremely two faced. there are a few good teachers, but you would have to actually attend HHES to see the real them. on school tours, they pretend to be welcoming. same experience happened to me and five other students I talked to. graduation rate is a 100% only cause they kick you out or hold you back if you don't graduate. One guy was also supposed to be expelled for sexual harassment but HHES let his parents continuously pay fees to keep his spot. Not a school worth your money.Ally Alana K.

Heathwood is as fabulous a school as I could hope for with my kids. The administration and staff are devoted to educating the whole child. Heathwood is a nurturing, supportive, and respectful environment – kids are encouraged to push themselves, try new experiences. Heathwood has been in transition since my kids started there about 5-6 years ago, and in the past two years – just keeps getting BETTER AND BETTER.V

This has been a challenging and accepting school for our children. The academics are top notch and the care and concern of faculty and staff normally exceed expectations. The concept of focusing on the whole child really makes Heathwood stand out in the Columbia region. As parents we are very involved and get an inside view which continues to validate our choice.TWG

I just want to say that under circumstances I was unable to stay signed under my own preferences. I wasn't able stay on but, I must say this was one of the best experiences of my life. My aunt used to model as well. I always wanted to experience a "runway walk" and I did. It was so much fun. Donna is professional, polite, easy to talk to, care about her models and their needs. She will cater to them if they feel uncomfortable in anything. The models are fun, lively, professional and know how to walk. I love them all. It has been such an awesome experience. Donna Bellah, thank you. I appreciate everything and I still hope you post my photo shoot, lol.Gwen Felder

Bellah Modeling Agency is an Amazing school for aspiring models to come and learn about the business and to grow more confident in themselves. I've had the pleasure of attending every show that the agency itself has put on and I've been continuously amazed by how much the models that stick with the agency get better and by how each show surpasses the last. This is a wonderful agency to be apart of.Tatianna Bracey

Bellah Modeling Agency is definitely a 5 star journey !!! It is a happy place that builds confidence in women of all ages. They believe in you and help you build. And they make it easy and you are always included and prepared. It’s a great place that has a great impact on its participants! If u find this community you are so lucky so go check them out!TheSunniShow

My daughters have been dancing for 4 years now with The Southern Strutt. Not only has it helped with their physical strength, technique and grace, but they are having a ton of fun! The teachers are highly sought after choreographers, so I feel blessed to have them in class with my children each week. I could not ask for a better dance family!Lauren Libet

My daughter has been dancing at The Southern Strutt 4 years. She started as a Broadway Baby at the age of 2, and she has not only been taught dance, technique, and confidence, but she has, more importantly, been cared for and nurtured by the wonderful staff. The Southern Strutt is truly a special place!Angela Strickland

She became not just a better dancer, thanks to the place but had an opportunity to participate in several events organized by owners. She tried herself on the big stage, a very positive experience. She also developed good dancing skills, very thankful, AnastasiyaAnastasiya Shchetynska

Never go here! If you want to better yourself and gain a degree go any where else! This is a horrible school! They will ruin your life!roni c

I had a photography and videography class there and I love that class so much I have learned a lot and made a new friend.Jaylen Anderson

Attended a murder mysyery dinner last night. Wonderful food prepared and served by Old Mill Brew Pub. A most entertaining play presented by On Stage Productions to help us determine which of the culprits was actually the murderer! Great fun!!!Kathy Hemsley

Wonderfully intimate theater space. They are always hosting fun and entertaining shows. With access to several restaurants in the same building it's a wonderful place to spend an evening.hayley hunt

Went to here to the Old Classic St. Pats Rock n Roll show tonight with family and friends. AWESOME TALENT!!! Thanks for a GREAT TIME!!!Johnny Cook

I'm a late bloomer with music (late 50s) and have found the perfect niche at Freeway with individual lessons, group lessons, performance opportunities, not to mention meeting a great crowd of talented instructors and fellow students. They are teaching me the way I need to learn. If I had been taught that way when I took music lessons as a kid, i might have really reached my dream of performing on the Grand Ole Opry (well maybe not, but at least thru Freeway I've reached my dream of being able to play music on stage). Y'all manufacture pixie dust and sprinkle it generously!!Reba Campbell

I have 2 boys (10 /12) who are both special needs. The instructors are caring and take time with them. One takes guitar with Ross and one drums with Colin. I highly recommend Freeway music for learning music. I thought it was going to be a short run, but they are actually learning how to play and are enjoying it. Definitely a 5 star rating.Ena

Kid-friendly, hip studio for music lessons! We've known this business for many years and had multiple children work with them. They are the best!Breck and Lane Bowen

This has been the worst experience ever. One star is to good. When I say we literally worked for two weeks trying to finalize all paperwork ahead of arrival and receive confirmation that everything was done. Only to arrive the following Monday and my daughter need $2000 more to start school. If you want my advice force your daughter to go elsewhere. The previous post about the view is correct but then that's not what your there for. From financial aid to finance there is absolutely know decent customer service not communication going on. You feel like a ping pong ball going back and forth. I will be pushing my daughter to complete elsewhere. Absolutely HORRIBLE.Corinne Whitmire

I feel like I truly missed out on the college experience going here. I never saw guys, there is no way to really access town without using the buses, and half the teachers write their own textbooks. The view out the dorm Windows tends to be a tree or a parking lot. Preference is given to sports people as usual, and the science department was so underfunded that half the equipment was outdated. Textbook costs were routinely over 700 a semester, for compsci. And I was downloading half my books for free!! Not to mention that tuition has only gone up drastically. You can get a better education for cheaper elsewhere. Like USC.Tabitha Johnson

Super excited to start in the fall! Edit: Have been here 3 years now, and I graduate in Dec 2019. Still in love with the school 🙂 It has exceeded my expectations. CC has amazing science programs, great professors, and truly caring staff. This is a place where you can get a rigorous education amongst people that want you to succeed and give you support and help along the way. I reccomend this school to those that want a good foundation in the liberal arts as well as a top notch education in their major. I love this place. I know you will, too!Preston “P. Siegler” Siegler

Just passed through whilst visiting Columbia, and I was quite impressed. The trees were outstanding and tall, the buildings were old but still looked good, and there was a fairly distinctive campus feel despite being in a rather large city. The palmettos make the campus much nicer and southern-feeling, and the various live oaks around campus give a very “Old South” feel. Cannot attest to the academics, though I did see a lot of “frat boy-types” and wondered if this school has that type of culture. The few people I chatted with were very nice and welcoming, and I would recommend visit the McKissick Museum or other places around here to get a sense of the culture and history of the school. G(oh) Cocks! Cheers.Kyle Hartmann

I never really heard of this place until we moved to the South. Then I saw a bunch of shirts with these roosters on them. Then one day I wandered down the road to Columbia just to see what the place was like. Then I found myself on this campus. It really seems like it has a party scene to it and it kind of reminds me of Arizona State University in some ways. It seems to be a fun place to go to school. The library was AMAZING! It even had an exhibit with some civil rights history items on display. I loved every bit of it. All and I think this is a great school. Nice and hilly too.noneya business

I did my PhD here as an international student and the experience was somewhat jarring at first and there seems to be a great deal of tension at the university over perceived inequality in the grading metrics and greater politicization of the faculty. Nevertheless, there are some fantastic people present who take time out of their day to see to your requests unlike some universities where the process is conducted from a financial perspective than a human one.Narcissus

So bad i cant even give a star i currently go here even the janitors are lazy earlier this year i went to change in the bathroom when i went in the bathroom a janitor had just cleaned it when i set my clothes on the ground to change into they landed in a massive puddle of urine and there are many times where there isn't soap to wash my hands after using the bathroom bad environment if you move into district 5 go any but hereSLABS SlabbySLABS

Very unsanitary restrooms, there's a restroom stall missing a door, there's satanic symbols and profanity in some areas, trash on the floors, the people are rude (most). Most of the teachers don't even teach, they just upload stuff to Google Classroom and go do God knows what on their computers.. I'm very disappointed and I'm reconsidering going here next year.Kevin Wolf TV

The school is the best place that you could go the teachers and staff are amazing and they would do anything for the students they take time to understand the kids and teach them the way the kids want them to teach. the office people are kind and sweet they make me feel at home- Yes i am a student here it is great being hereSASSY Brown

Mary Poppins on Saturday, November 7th was excellent! The actor playing Bert was fabulous and the actress playing Mary Poppins was fabulous too! The kids Michael and Jane did a wonderful job! my only complaint is the seats. The new seats leave no legroom and are extremely uncomfortable on your back for 2 1/2 hours. I thought the renovation of the theater seats would be more comfortable and more roomy but they're not. The seats are Very close together leaving no room to cross your legs or stretch. Red Velvet Cake War play was not up the the quality of other plays. I would not recommend this one.AW Lewis

These guys did a fantastic job. I was in town for work and wanted something different, and this is exactly what I was looking for. It’s amazing to see members of a community come together and put on such an awesome show. Billy Mishop (Ms. Trunchbull) was fantastic! Nathan Jackson as Bruce, and Juliet Greg as Matilda were all amazing actors. Congratulations to you all!!Jamison Wiersema

Had the absolute best time today! First time visit with my mom and son to see Elf the musical. They have the best musicals in town. I'm thinking about investing in a membership to see 5 season shows for a very good price. The people all always so nice and friendly when attending a musical or play. It's highly recommended that you visit this theater at least once.K. Monique Washington (Mo)

What a great theater. The show that I saw was Motown ballet. I loved it. I really loved it! The dancers were so good and the music was so good that I had forgotten that ballet could be approachable by the average person. Woman star company is a great opportunity and a great artistic creation for our city. He should put on videos like this more often. Can you imagine a hip hop ballet. I love the piece. I love this theater. Harbison theater is a great benefit to the Columbia area big enough for a big venue but small enough for an intimate setting. I love Harbison theater and hope to become a season ticket holder in the very near future.Max Highsmith

Wow… just wow.the venue seating has no bad section. The only drawback is parking… there is no overflow , so get there early. We had a sold out show , so finding parking was not easy. There was no security to walk through like some venues… however there is security present.. No size limit on purses. There were beverages available, not sure on price…we didn't purchase any. I do have pictures, unfortunately at this time …Google isn't giving me the option to post with my review The event we we went was, Step Afrika…. AMAZING 👏 great job to everyone putting this together.Im Giroir

Had an EXCELLENT time at Harbison Theatre. Ample parking, lights and security available, well decorated facility, clean restrooms and every seat is a great seat. I look forward to attending the next spectacular event. This SOLD OUT event was MOTOWN BALLET. Every tune was a MOTOWN HIT and the dancers were energetic and in step. I do recommend this facility for an enjoyable experienceG Love

I loved every thing about this theatre. The size, design and the history behind it. What I didn't like was how the seats were so confining as in no leg room and stitting down for long periods tend to become very uncomfortable. Other than that it's a great place to have a production of a play in.Alonzo Tisdale

The catwalk is really interesting. We ought to start locking doors on campus, but you know how it is. At night, the building is beautiful and odd simultaneously. For those who believe in the paranormal, you will be triggered. For those who don't, you might hear a thing or two.Christian Oglesby

USC Theater Department does a good job on most of their productions – especially Shakespeare – sets and staging. Definitely worth checking out. Seats need to be replaced – they need to have a fundraiser!Terry Goodfellow

If you have children interested in performing, look nowhere else. This place is fantastic, caring and fun. The staff are incredible people. I have seen children make meaningful and lasting friendships and memories in a safe and positive environment. They also really gain top notch theatrical skills. Truly a special gem in Midlands. Go see a show! They are wonderful!Jennifer Bjorn-Muellner

These guys are fantastic with kids! I've worked with them a number of times and the kids are enthusiastic, learning, growing, supporting each other and having a great time. I highly recommend!Sarah Straney

Just saw the Jungle Book with my mom and 2 boys. It was wonderful. This is a must see for all! Fantastic venue….fun filled event….worth the price of admission and then some! Thanks CCTEllen Schmidt

Theater operations staff were very accommodating, the facilities were tidy and even through the theater was alittle rundown with cracks and stucco holes in the ceiling the place didn't smell old and musty like many theaters I have been through throughout my years. The play was very enjoyable, plenty of parking and lighting in the area. There was a quiet city police presence as the theater let out under the full moon for that extra sense of security so that was nice aswell. I would say research handicapped parking prior to arrival if coming at night it can be alittle confusing where to park if the designated spots are full right out in front of the theater.Blanchez Sharpe

Quaint theatre with comfortable seating. Been there twice for two separate companies' productions, in the sentence isn't design and acting is on par with what you would expect with Columbia Theater. Seating is very comfortable and staff is always great.DT B

Workshop Theatre is using this theatre space for their shows now and it is great. It is easy to get to from all three interstates and I haven't had any trouble parking on show nights. I'm looking forward to seeing lots of shows here.Dean McCaughan

Tonight I went to see Intimate Apparel. This was the only play I have seen others than the nutcracker in the first grade. Wow! It was amazing. The entire production pulled me in from the beginning. The stage setup, music, lighting, the small venue, and even the small audience made this place feel special. Most of all the actors were great. Oh man! Live acting! They were all good. Each actor/actress played their roles perfectly. Fear of sounding ridiculous will stop me from rambling on, but I must say that many of the performers have found their calling. I am eagerly looking forward to coming back for more. My only regret was not giving a standing ovation.Larry Paige

Saw my first Trustus show a few weeks ago. Rocky Horror. As a fan of the shadow shows and a theatre kid, I was so impressed by the costumes, choreography and the environment in general. The ushers are very welcoming and helpful to guide guests to seats. The seats are the most comfortable theater seats I've ever sat in. I loved my whole experience. I adored Rocky so much I saw it twice. The standing tickets weren't standing. Everywhere in that theatre you can see the stage and feel a part of the production. Small theatre feel with Broadway mentality is what it felt like to me. Can't wait to see what shows are next!Edie

Great little theater. Outstanding performance last night. (sat 12th Feb). A lot of lines. Dealt with ease by a great cast. Lots feeling, emotion and singing. A really very well done performance that would have made Jonathon Larson himself proud!Lee Broadbent

While not the largest or most elegant of theaters I've been to that does not take away from the show. I had a front row seat and was afforded a fantastic view and felt almost in the production. I didn't have to look upwards so it was a great seat. The seats are fairly comfortable. The show itself was most excellent and thoroughly enjoyed it.Matt Gottlieb

Great place for live performances by a local community theatre. Some plays utilize a unique projector screen for background that adds a interesting depth to the scenery. Additionally, interesting performances by youth actors (junior shows). Personally never involved, but the facility also offers actor workshops throughout the year.Damian Williams

Hard to find, worth the effort. 225 seat theater, not a bad seat in the house. Delightful, friendly, helpful staff. Comfortable seats. They serve wine, soda, water at intermission at very reasonable prices. Ticket prices are reasonable for live productions. ( And a senior citizen discount!) I will be back!Marguerite Sterling